San Diego APCD Outlines EVR Exemptions for Gas Stations

The San Diego Air Pollution Control District (APCD) outlined proposed rule changes that would exempt some gasoline dispensing facilities from upcoming requirements to install Phase 2 Enhanced Vapor Recovery Systems (EVR). The proposed rule changes were outlined in a workshop held on October 18th in San Diego.

If the proposed rule changes pass, systems that dispense E85 Gasohol or serve fleets that are at least 95% On-Board Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) equipped can apply for the exemption. Facility operators that wish to take advantage of this program will need to apply for a change in permit conditions and will, as part of the exemption, be required to remove the existing Phase 2 Vapor Recovery System (non-EVR).

The San Diego APCD plans to bring the proposed rule changes to the Board in February of 2008. District staff stated that they expect approval by March of 2008. Applications for the exemptions must be filed by July, 2008 for facilities that dispense more than 600,000 gallons/year and by October of 2008 for facilities that dispense less than 600,000 gallons/year. Facility operators that apply for the exemption will still be required to have and maintain existing Phase 1 EVR systems. This includes maintaining a permit, conducting annual testing and maintaining inspection logs.

What is ORVR?
On-board Refueling Vapor Recovery is a set of components built into a vehicles fuel storage system that prevents the loss of gasoline vapors to the atmosphere during vehicle refueling. Most ORVR systems consist of a charcoal canister that is connected to the vehicle’s fill pipe. If a vehicle is equipped with ORVR, it makes the fuel-site vapor recovery system redundant. ORVR and other vapor recovery systems are not required for diesel fuel.

How can I tell if vehicles in my fleet are ORVR equipped?
The US EPA mandated the phase in of ORVR equipped vehicles starting in 1997. As of 2006 all new gasoline powered on-road vehicles must be ORVR equipped. Below is a table showing the phase in dates for ORVR by vehicle class.

What if I have vehicles that were built during years that ORVR was not required on all vehicles?
The emission sticker under the hood of the vehicle will tell you if the vehicle is ORVR equipped. If the 5th digit of the “EVAP” or “EVAP FAMILY” number is an “E” or “V” the vehicle is not ORVR equipped. If the 5th digit is “R” then the vehicle is ORVR equipped.

Examples of Emission Stickers from draft CARB document:

CARB Proposes On-Road, In-Use, Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicle Rule to Limit PM and NOx

California Air Resources Board (CARB) staff are conducting workshops to roll out proposed regulations. The new regulation would affect more than 1.5 million existing buses, trucks and other heavy-duty diesel vehicles operating in California. The proposed rule does have exemptions for private-use vehicles.

Under the proposed rule, fleet operators will have two compliance options: install best available control technology (BACT) on vehicles on before the required compliance date or maintain target fleet emission averages. Link to workshop presentation at CARB website: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/071017_Truck_%20Reg_Workshop.pdf
For a draft copy of the proposed regulation, go to the CARB website: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/071015_PROPOSED_ONRD_REG.pdf

The proposed regulation is part of the California Diesel Risk Reduction Program, which was adopted in 2000. The goal of the program is to reduce diesel PMs by 75% in 2010 and by 85% by 2020. This aggressive plan has spawned a host of regulations that will affect nearly every diesel engine operated in the state.

New State Law Will Force the Phase-Out of Older Toxic Dry-Cleaning Chemicals

As of January 1, 2008, it will be illegal to install new dry-cleaning machines that use perchloroethylene (PERC) as the dry-cleaning solvent. The new regulation will also require the retirement of existing PERC dry-cleaning machines, once they are 15 year old. Thus, all PERC dry cleaning machines should be removed from service by 2023. The regulation has more stringent removal requirements for PERC machines that are operated in a building that is also a residence. These machines must be removed from service by July 1, 2010.

Currently, there are several safer alternative dry-cleaning solvents. These include:
· Water based cleaning
· Carbon dioxide
· Petroleum based solvents
· Methyl siloxane

The most common effects of overexposure to PERC are irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, or skin, and effects on the nervous system similar to the effects of alcohol. PERC causes cancer in laboratory animals at exposure levels close to the level legally allowed in the workplace. PERC is also heavier than water and tends to sink through slab foundations and contaminate ground water.